Jeff is clinging to Annie's hand when he hears the voice of the one man that he truly can't stand.
"Jeffery!" William Winger Sr. calls out. Jeff turns around and grits his teeth. He's starting to doubt that the last year of therapy actually helped him at all because when he sees his father he can't help but want to wipe the smug grin (that Jeff grudgingly admits he inherited) off his father's face. And, for Jeff, it'd be preferable if this could be achieved with his fist. Annie must sense his tension because she grips his hand even tighter and gives him an encouraging smile. Jeff briefly smiles back and then looks up at the man who really should be paying for all of Jeff's therapy bills.
"William," He says deciding that the more formal and icy he is the less room his father will have to hurt him. He allows himself, in that moment, to put his old walls back up.
"Jeffery, looking good son. Who is this fine young lady hanging off your arm tonight?" William says as he holds out his hand for Jeff to shake.
"She is not hanging off my arm!" Jeff says indignantly, "This is my friend, Annie Edison."
"Ah, Miss Edison what a pleasure to make your acquaintance." William says as he grabs Annie's hand and pecks it. Annie has to admit that Jeff's Winger charm is genetic because even though Annie hates the man standing in front of her, she has to admit that he has charisma.
"Um, nice to meet you too." Annie says as she pulls her hand away from him. She looks up to she Jeff wearing an expression that is foreboding and so she decides to lighten the mood by mentioning how much she would like a drink. William obliges happily, sending a wink Annie's way as he walks towards the bar. She can't even pretend to hide her disgusted expression, and neither can Jeff.
"I'm so sorry Annie," He says apologetically, and the look on his face makes Annie's heart melt. He looks so vulnerable, and even though Annie is still a little more than upset with Jeff for the whole panic engagement to Britta, she knows that she'll do whatever it takes to help Jeff make it through this reunion.